Our fall has, thus far, been one of the nicest in recent memory. We’ve had weeks of warmer-than-usual temperatures (tomorrow might hit 80!) and very little rain. It hardly feels like fall at all, except for the obvious reminders – pumpkins and potted mums on everyone’s front steps, leaves floating lazily to the ground with every stiff breeze, and the high school football players sporting jerseys on their way in to school in the morning. We’re still working hard NOT to work on the house; it’s a tough habit to break, but it’s getting easier by the day.

This past weekend, my mother and father rolled into town. They’re full-time RV’ers, and the last time they were at our house was over 2 years ago. Needless to say, they barely recognized the place. When we bought it, I know they worked very hard to appear optimistic and not to let on just how awful they thought it was.  Now, without holes in the walls and cat pee in the carpets, they can see what we saw all along.

With the weather so beautiful and the Adirondack leaves nearly peaking, we decided we’d head north for a day. We spent a few hours wandering around Old Forge and Inlet, climbing Bald Mountain, and appreciating fall in New York State.

While in Inlet, we stopped at a store called The Boathouse. It’s right in the center of town and Inlet is a VERY small town, so you really can’t miss it. The store is owned by friends of my parents, two wonderful people named Dale and Paula who have truly great taste in home decor.  Unlike the sometimes-tacky “country moose and bear” decor of most Adirondack shops, they stock furniture that is rustic, organic, breezy and elegant.

I wanted to bring many things home to my in-laws, who own a charming log cabin in the woods which they built themselves from logs right on the lot.  It would all look so perfect in their house!

I especially like this large “tchoctchke holder” (I know there’s a better way to say that, but I can’t spell any of them!) and the tree branch coffee table. Maybe some day, when we can afford furniture from someplace other than tag sales and the Salvation Army, we’ll find a way to work a rustic piece into our own decor.  If you happen to be near Inlet I definitely suggest stopping by The Boathouse for a peek!